DICKINSON, N.D. - Officials are wondering how to cover the bills four Alabama fugitives are running up for Stark County.

The cost for security for two of the fugitives while they were hospitalized after the June 6 shootout is already well over $26,000.

And this may just be the beginning.

"Our general fund is going to take a hit, there's no doubt about it," said Duane "Bucky" Wolf, Stark County commissioner.

Joshua Southwick, 26, and Ashton Mink, 22, were apprehended following the shootout with North Dakota law enforcement earlier this month. That came nearly two weeks after they escaped from the Perry County Detention Center in Uniontown, Ala.

Mink was serving a 22-year sentence for assault from Madison County, and Southwick, 26, of Limestone County, serving a life sentence for murder and burglary. Mink was convicted of stabbing Huntsville broadcast reporter Jarold Lee in 2005.

Also taken into custody were two women who authorities said helped the men escape: Angela Diana Mink, 25, and Jacquelin Rae Kennamer Mink, 25, Mink's sister and wife, respectively.
Ashton Mink and Jacquelin Mink were hospitalized after the shootout, but were released last week and taken to the Southwest Multi-County Correction Center.

Associated PressAngela Mink

Associated PressJacquelin Rae Kennamer Mink

All four are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit robbery. Additionally, Tom Henning, Stark County state's attorney, said he's looking at increasing the severity of the felony charges.